The Grove Park Inn, Asheville, North Carolina

A Weekend At The Famous Hotel

This weekend, we rang in the Christmas season with a trip to Asheville, North Carolina. Asheville is a wonderful place I’ve been to many times to see the fabulous Biltmore Estate, but this trip we had a bit of a different experience. We spent most of the weekend soaking up the luxurious Grove Park Inn, a famous and historic resort in Asheville. Here’s a list of the top experiences to have at this luxurious resort.

The Spa

This. spa. was. amazing. At the spa, I received a 50-minute massage that was in a small hut overlooking the mountains. The massage felt wonderful although it was about 2 hours too short. 😛 I was so relaxed by the end of it I slipped into dreamland. And the massage was only part of the grand experience. The spa has many other wonderful ways to unwind that easily fill up almost your entire day.

PS: I wish I could’ve taken pictures, but technology is banned from the spa to make your experience that much more rejuvenating. If you want to see pictures, click here.

This is all the spa experience includes.

In the separated men and women’s section, there is a eucalyptus-infused steam room, two saunas (one that’s 150 degrees!), and a hot tub with a cold plunge pool. For the hot tub and plunge pool experience, you are supposed to alternate between the two. Even though it’s supposed to be super good for you, that 64-degree water didn’t feel like it! It took some serious will power to stay in the frigid water . after adjusting to the 103 degree hot tub minutes before. There are also fully stocked showers for you to rinse off at the end of the day.

In the combined section, there were multiple pools and two hot tubs inside. The hot tubs included waterfalls with strong water pressure to loosen up your tense muscles in your back. Outside, there was a large heated pool and an area to sit outside in your robes and enjoy some food or a drink.

The entire experience was so relaxing, and something you definitely need to experience to get the most of your stay. Treatments can be pricey, but you can also gain entry into the entire spa with a day pass if you go Monday-Thursday. The passes are first-come, first-serve starting at 10 am though, so get there early!

The Most Delicious Buffet

The Blue Ridge Artisanal Farm to Table Buffet has a unanimous vote by the entire family for the most delicious buffet we had ever been to. This buffet ranks above the rest because of the QUALITY of every single dish you decide to consume. From delicious mac and cheese, brisket, and jerk chicken to the irresistible desserts including freshly made banana foster, delicious cupcakes, and everything in between- Be sure to come STARVING! We were all wishing we could’ve eaten more but our stomach’s reached the limit.

A Beautiful Mountainside Sunset

Step outside onto the decks and staircases on the backside of the resort, and you’ll immediately be tempted to snap a picture. The view of the mountains is gorgeous!

The only way to make your experience out there even better is to experience a mountain sunset. Many say this is the best spot in Asheville to watch the Sunset- so be sure to check it out.

The Gingerbread House Competition

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What a way to get in the Christmas spirit and witness some amazing artwork. The Grove Park Inn’s gingerbread house competition has been going on since 1992. Since that time, it has increased in popularity and has been featured on many shows such as Good Morning America, the Food Network, and The Travel Channel. Definitely a must-see if you are staying at the Grove Park Inn or even if you are in the area.

Tip: If you aren’t staying at the Grove Park Inn, on the weekends you can still see the Gingerbread houses. If you are coming during the week, you can’t. BUT, just dine at a restaurant at the resort and you gain access! (We recommend the buffet)

The Sports Complex

The sports complex has many amenities including a pool, indoor & outdoor tennis courts, racquetball, a fitness club, and more. Since we spent an entire day at the spa, we didn’t check out the pools. But I hear they are great as well! We rented the indoor tennis courts twice and they were definitely a great time.

If You Have Time To Leave…

There is so much to do simply at the resort, you may never want to leave! (In our two nights staying there, we rarely did!) If you do go somewhere ;), I would highly recommend seeing the Biltmore Estate. The experience is pricey, but it’s definitely something you need to check off the bucket list. Also, there are MANY beautiful trails to go hiking to mountaintop views and tumbling waterfalls.

While it’s a couple hours away, one of my favorite closeby adventures in North Carolina is the National White Water Rafting Center in Charlotte. There are many activities to do there throughout the year! It’s definitely a great time and an action-packed day.

Enjoy your time at the Grove Park Inn & in Asheville! It’s an incredible place to visit.

Xoxo,

Kiersten